Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a robot-assisted thoracic procedure, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Upper endoscopy
—a lighted tube equipped with a camera is used to visualize the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestines

Leading up to the procedure:

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg,
aspirin
)

Blood thinners such as
clopidogrel
(Plavix) or
warfarin
(Coumadin)

Take antibiotics if instructed.

Follow a special diet if instructed.

Take a laxative and/or use an enema to clean out your intestines if instructed.

Shower the night before using antibacterial soap if instructed.

Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital. Also, have someone to help you at home.

Eat a light meal the night before. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

You will be connected to a ventilator. This is a machine that moves air in and out of your lungs. Next, the doctor will cut several keyhole openings in the chest wall between the ribs. One or more chest tubes may be placed into the side of the chest. These tubes will be used to drain fluid and monitor air leakage. A needle may be used to inject carbon dioxide gas into the chest cavity. The gas will make it easier for the doctor to see internal structures.

The doctor will then pass a small camera, called an endoscope, through one of the incisions. The camera will light, magnify, and project the structures onto a video screen. The camera will be attached to one of the robotic arms. The other arms will hold instruments for grasping, cutting, dissecting, and suturing. These may include:

Forceps

Scissors

Dissectors

Scalpels

While sitting at a console near the operating table, the doctor will look through lenses at magnified 3D images of the inside of the body. Another doctor will stay by the table to adjust the camera and tools. With joystick-like controls and foot pedals, the doctor will guide the robotic arms and tools to remove organs and tissue. After the tools are removed, the doctor will use sutures or staples to close the surgical area.

Immediately After Procedure

If you are doing well, the breathing tube will be removed. Later, the chest tubes will be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1-4 hours (depending on the procedure)

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will have pain during recovery. Your doctor will give you pain medicine. You may also feel discomfort from the gas used during the procedure. This can last up to three days.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is a few days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if you have any problems.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:

Assistance sitting up and moving around soon after surgery

Instructions on what you should eat and how to restrict your activity

Nutrition through a feeding tube in the days after surgery (You will gradually progress from a liquid to a solid diet.)

Directions on how to do deep breathing and coughing exercises

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Can we help answer your questions?

Wellmont Nurse Connection is your resource for valuable health information any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Speak to a Nurse any time, day or night, at (423) 723-6877 or toll-free at 1-877-230-NURSE.